Since learning the tragic news of Whitney Houston's death, like many others, we have have been stunned and saddened trying to think of the right words to pay tribute to an icon.  Her soul-stirring voice, her heartfelt lyrics touched us in a career that spanned decades -- before a somewhat ugly turn that we won't ever speculate about here. But one article in particular that caught our attention is the tribute from ESPN -- ...

Editor’s Note: This is the final installment of “Sun in My Clouds," work of fiction by storyteller Julia Blues.  Jason and I are officially separated. We have to remain separated legally for one year before we can file for divorce. Of course, I had a temporary lapse and considered us possibly working things out. Quickly, I regained my sanity. Michelle and I are still on non-speaking terms. If I have it my way, it ...

Editor’s Note: “Sun in My Clouds” is a work of fiction by storyteller Julia Blues. As the cruise ship sets sail off the coast of Miami, I am sitting on the deck with a glass of champagne in my hand. I have not one worry or care in the world. This is the point thirty six years of life has brought me to. All of the ups and downs have led me ...

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day! As many others are doing today, we are reflecting on some of our favorite quotes by the famous speaker and civil rights leader. "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." "Whatever your life's work is, do it well. A man should do his job so well that the living, the dead, and the unborn could do it no better." “If ...

By Bridgette Outten Editor's Note: Gina Neely is half of the cooking couple who shot to super-stardom with their down home southern recipes and easy chemistry in the kitchen.  Gina is our cover girl for Vol. 1 Issue 4. Down Home With the Neelys is one of the most successful shows in the history of the Food Network, starring Pat and Gina Neely. It wasn't Gina's intention to be one of the most-recognized chefs in ...

The It's Not Enough to Dream Women's Circle is made up of a smart, fabulous and talented group of women. We are excited to feature Denise Nolan (aka Pizazz) in this issue. Pizazz is a spoken word performer and radio personality on WGBX 1570AM in Chicago. Q: When did you start writing? I started writing at 15. At that time, my writing was only about what happened on a daily basis. By 21, it went ...

Editor’s Note: “Sun in My Clouds” is a work of fiction by storyteller Julia Blues. The hand mixer hums as I slowly add a bottle of red food coloring to the mixture of flour, sugar, baking soda, vinegar, and a few secret ingredients. I find myself bubbling over with joy as I pour the mixture into two round cake pans. Never realized how much I enjoyed baking until my mom planted that ...

Poshmark is a recently-launched iPhone app (coming soon for Android) designed to capture the fun and convenience of clothing swap parties. According to USA Today, there are real-time-themed shopping events held within the mobile app, where people gather to browse, buy and sell clothing and accessories from anywhere. The app's website promises fun shopping parties where can browsers can "attend a shopping party from anywhere, sell items from your closets with just a ...

Editor’s Note: “Sun in My Clouds” is a work of fiction by storyteller Julia Blues. I never liked any of the men Mom brought home. Sue Anderson would sneak all kinds of men through the back door long after she thought I had fallen asleep. My bed was the couch. I saw everything that went on between our four walls. Every week it was a different guy creeping to her bedroom. I could ...

Editor’s Note: “Sun in My Clouds” is a work of fiction by storyteller Julia Blues. Sitting across from me is my husband of two years. I can barely stand to look at him. Three days ago I was so in love with him. Today the sight of him disgusts me. I make sure the scowl on my face tells him just that. “I never meant to hurt you, Nicci.” “You lost your right to ...